Chicken salad, crab dip from Zest

Zest Café is one of my all-time favorite lunch spots. The fresh ingredients and constantly evolving menu make for a memorable experience each time I visit. Of particular note is their Tarragon Chicken Salad. Is there any chance that they would be willing to share the recipe?

-- C.N., Apex

Twelve years after opening, Zest Café (8831 Six Forks Road, 8484792; www.zestcafehomeart.com) remains as refreshing as its name, thanks in large measure to its ever-changing menu of light, seasonal fare. Executive chef James Castellow shares the secrets of two recent favorites, Tarragon Chicken Salad and Crab Dip.

Specialty of the House gets recipes for local restaurant dishes. Send requests, including your city, to Specialty of the House, c/o The News & Observer or e-mail ggcox@bellsouth.net. Find past columns and recipes at www.newsobserver.com, keyword specialty.